News Summary
Neil Richard Theisen, a cherished veteran and community member of Beaufort, passed away. Known for his service in the Vietnam War and commitment to supporting fellow veterans, Neil’s legacy includes his warm spirit and adventures with his wife, Jane. His memorial will honor his life and dedication to community service.
Beaufort, South Carolina – Neil Richard Theisen, a 77-year-old veteran and cherished community member, passed away on July 13, 2025, at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center in Charleston. His lengthy and commendable life serves as a testament to his service, dedication to family, and commitment to his community.
Born on September 18, 1947, in Madison, Wisconsin, he was the son of Vincent and Marie Theisen. Neil was preceded in death by two brothers but is survived by his wife, Jane Cabral, who resides in Beaufort. In addition to his spouse, his stepchildren include Caroline Hughes from Bristol, Rhode Island; Christopher Cabral, engaged to Shana, from Griswold, Connecticut; and Catherine Confarotta, married to Jeff, from Attleboro, Massachusetts. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Emily, Kayla, Alex, Sarah, and Sophia.
Neil served honorably in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War, where he achieved the rank of Sergeant before retiring in 1969. Following his military service, he pursued higher education and graduated from City College in New York with a degree in Economics. Neil found a fulfilling career as a Master Plumber, and he dedicated 30 years to this profession before retirement.
After completing his career, Neil relocated to North Dighton, Massachusetts, before moving to Beaufort in 2017. He was actively involved with the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) both in Massachusetts and Beaufort, emphasizing his commitment to supporting those who served in the military.
Neil’s personal life was marked by adventure and companionship. He met his wife, Jane, in 2015, and the pair quickly discovered their shared love for traveling by trailer. Together, they explored over 40 states, including Alaska. They married on September 2, 2020, during a camping trip in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, surrounded by nature and their passion for exploration.
Known for his warm, kind, and generous spirit, Neil had a remarkable ability to touch the lives of those around him. He often extended his help to others without expecting anything in return, demonstrating selflessness and a strong character. His support for veterans and community members in need reflected his enduring commitment to making a positive impact on those around him.
In honor of Neil’s life and legacy, a memorial mass will be held on August 5, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Beaufort. Following the service, inurnment will take place at the Beaufort National Cemetery, and Neil will receive military honors from the United States Air Force, recognizing his service and sacrifice.
The family has requested that instead of flowers, donations be made to the Friends of Fisher House in Charleston to honor Neil’s memory and support fellow veterans and their families. Arrangements are being handled by Anderson Funeral Home and Crematory.
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Additional Resources
- Your Island News: Neil Richard Theisen
- Wikipedia: Veteran
- Legacy: Timothy Johnson Obituary
- Google Search: Obituary news
- Your Island News: Rabid Raccoon Exposes Pet
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Memorial Service
- Legacy: Shirley Jenkins Obituary
- Google News: Veteran community
- Your Island News: John Lawson Heles
- Google Scholar: Military Service
- Legacy: Linda Rice Obituary
- Google Search: Community Support for Veterans
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
